Pedestrian Signal Technology
Summary
As part of the City of Ottawa’s Older Adult Plan, the Public Works Department was allocated $100,000 in 2013 and 2014, to install additional audible pedestrian signals and pedestrian countdown timers to existing signalized intersections to improve pedestrian safety for older adults.The Public Works Department identified intersections that would have the most positive impact on older adults by using a combination of suitability factors. These included the use of demographics data to determine where high concentrations of seniors lived as well as proximity to retirement and long term care residences, community centres and community health and resource centres, hospitals, shopping malls/grocery stores, and parks. Together, this data, when combined with existing intersections that did not have pedestrian signal technology installed, determined the most suitable locations that would impact older adults. In 2013, the Department organized a focus group with older adults and relevant stakeholders to validate the list of proposed intersections. During 2013 to 2014, the Department installed pedestrian signal technology at 12 intersections with high concentrations of older adults. Moving forward, Public Works has committed to installing 2 pedestrian signals each year using operational funding to meet the needs of the older adult population.Retrofitting existing intersections with new signal technologies, specifically in areas with high concentrations of older adults, provides numerous benefits for the safety, confidence and convenience of seniors and other vulnerable pedestrians. This initiative specifically addresses concerns raised by the community and older adults through the City’s extensive consultation sessions held in 2011.
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Other target group(s): Older people with mobility challenges
Sector(s): Urban development
Desired outcome for older people:
Be mobile
- Accessibility
Other Issues: Mobility
Contact details
Name: Hoskin, Tracy
Email address: tracy.hoskin@ottawa.ca
Preferred language(s): English